Panasonic LX100 Review: Could this be the enthusiast compact you’ve been waiting for?

 

 

For several years, Sony has had the enthusiast compact camera market all to itself -- but the times, they are a-changin'. As you'll see in our just-completed Panasonic LX100 review, there's finally a real fight on for the hearts and minds of photographers who're in the market for a pocket-friendly camera that shoots great photos!

The Panasonic LX100 is a very interesting camera indeed, in part because it takes a decidedly different approach to the enthusiast compact dilemma. Among its rivals, most -- that is, the Sony RX100-series and Canon G7X -- opt for tiny bodies that can fit in a pants pocket, but in doing so they must forego the profusion of dedicated controls experienced photographers crave. A couple -- Canon's G1X-series -- opt for much larger sensors and more dedicated controls, but they stretch the definition of compact to its limit.

 

 

With the LX100, it seems that Panasonic has applied the Goldilocks principle: Not too little, not too large, it's just big enough to pack in the controls and a sensor that's a bit larger than most. You won't fit the Panasonic LX100 in a pants pocket, but a jacket pocket, small bag or purse will provide all the room you need and then some. And as well as photographer-friendly controls, you'll also get a sensor with above-average low-light capabilities, impressively swift performance, and a bright zoom lens.

But how does it compare with its nearest and most pocket-friendly rivals in the real world? To find out, I shot the LX100 alongside the Sony RX100-series cameras and Canon G7X, then guided you through my thoughts on the comparison in my Panasonic LX100 Shooter's Reports.

 

 

And now that the final checkboxes have been ticked back in the lab, we're ready to render our final verdict. Should the Panasonic LX100 be at the top of your wish list? Find out now in the conclusion of our Panasonic LX100 review!